I have a 67 Fastback 4 speed. I have a 351W stuffed in the engine compartment that is bored .060. It has roller rockers, hydraulic lifters and and MSD distributor. My problem is overheating. I don't suppose anyone has had that problem. LOL Right now I have a 3 core highflow radiator. It is the smaller one for the small blocks, But Ford made theopening wide enough for the 390 radiator. I was thinking of getting an aluminum radiator for the 390 but all ot the radiators I've looked at have the top and bottom outlet on opposite sides, so I would have to change the timing cover and waterpump that has the outlet on the left side. I need to find out which timing cover/waterpump combination should I get. Will this help or should I save my money and move on to other solutions? Do I have to be concerned about the direction that the water pump turns?
Thanks for any help
65wagonmaster

 

depending on which way your water pump turns that will determine what kind of fan you need (there are different ones for different rotating pumps). but as for the outlet situtaion, you can take your radiator to a shop and have them switch the sides the outlet is on, its pretty cheap to do it. and for heating, maybe a lower temp thermostat and a high flow water pump will do the trick.

 

You can also get an aluminum radiator from Griffin in either configuration.

 

I got an Northern "Sumimt" for the 66 with a LH outlet... It seems to do pretty good on the 408....

 

If you don'thave a fan shroud or if your fan more than 1 inch from the radiator that can cause some heat problems.

 

Boring .60 over is also going to cause heat problems. I do not claim to fully understand it, but that is what I have read. I guess the heat from the combustion is transfered more to the water because of thinner cylinder walls. If you decide to change out radiators, look into a coolant filter. The is one made in Australia that is pretty cool. I got one for when I replace my radiator next month. It keeps the crude out of your radiator and allows you to clean that junk out without removing hoses!

 

You could also switch to the saddle mount small block radiator. Same size as the big block but inlet and outlet are both on the passenger side (look for 68 small block with A/C). NPD has a 3+ core for $259.95 (8005-FE) and the shroud $65.95 (8146-3). You will also need to buy the upper and lower saddle mount brackets and insulators.